ES2555854T3 - Coffee maker - Google Patents

Abstract

A coffee maker (1) comprising: - a water tank (11); - at least a first pump (17); - at least one first boiler (31) for heating water of said water tank (11); - a coffee brewing unit (25); - a connection joint (49); - circuits for supplying hot water and / or steam, with a first outlet of hot water or steam (83) to an emulsifying device (37), which may be connected to said connection junction (49) and a second hot water and / or washing water steam outlet (85) associated with said first hot water or water vapor outlet (83); - an emulsifying device (37) for heating or foaming milk, comprising: a connector (101) for connection to said joint (49) of said coffee maker (1); a first inlet of hot water and / or water vapor (105) towards a mixing nozzle (107) of said emulsifying device; a suction chamber (109), in flow connection with a milk suction duct (111) of said emulsifying device and with said mixing nozzle (107); a milk supply conduit (129) for supplying foamed or hot milk in connection with said mixing nozzle (107); characterized in that a second inlet of hot water and / or water vapor (121) is arranged in said connector (101); wherein the two hot water or water vapor outlets are arranged so that from the first hot water or water vapor outlet (83) water vapor is injected into said mixing nozzle (107) and from the second outlet of hot water or steam (85) water vapor or hot water is injected into said suction chamber (109) so that hot water or water vapor from the coffee maker flows through said second inlet (121) in said suction chamber (109) and said mixing nozzle (107).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Coffee machine Technical field

The present invention relates to machines for producing coffee and in particular automatic or semi-automatic machines for producing coffee provided with accessories for foaming milk or other beverages.

State of the art

Recently, machines have been developed to produce beverages and in particular to produce espresso coffee, mainly dedicated to domestic use, in which devices are provided to generate steam and hot water to produce tea, to heat water or milk, to foam milk with in order to produce stained coffee, cappuccino or similar drinks.

Documents US-A-2006/0174771 and EP-A-1688074 (SAE-CO) disclose for example an emulsifying device, coupled with a container for containing milk, to be incorporated in a coffee maker provided with a steam generator of water for the emulsifying device. The container is inside the coffee maker and the emulsifying device is controlled such as to generate an emulsion of milk and air leaving a nozzle such as to be supplied directly to a cup. More particularly, the emulsifying device comprises an air suction hole, a water vapor inlet and a milk suction duct. The water vapor passes through a Venturi tube and causes the suction of the milk from the milk container arranged in the coffee maker when generating a suction pressure. When opening or closing the air suction hole, milk foam (emulsified milk) or simply hot milk is generated. In order to drain the device and wash a part of the ducts, a relief valve is provided, which opens allowing the passage of steam or hot water through the Venturi tube, without creating the suction necessary to suck the milk. The device is particularly efficient, but it has some limits in relation to the cleaning of the circuits, since not all the ducts affected by the milk flow can be washed properly. In addition, it is not possible to obtain a correct cleaning of the air suction duct which, due to its small size, is subject to obstructions. This problem is worsened by the fact that the air suction hole is disposed near the milk suction duct.

WO-A-2008050366 (SAECO) discloses another type of emulsifying device housed inside the coffee maker, provided with means to control the opening and closing of the air inlet valve and with a relief system to discharge the milk at the end of the emulsion cycle.

EP-A-803220 discloses another emulsifying device for producing milk froth, which can be attached to a coffee maker.

US-B-7322282 discloses an emulsifying device similar to that disclosed in US-A-2006/0174771, but provided with a coating of nanoparticles of the areas that will be in contact with the milk, in order to obtain a greater machine hygiene.

WO-A-2006/122916 (SAECO) discloses an outdoor unit that can be coupled with a coffee maker and on which a carafe can be arranged to produce foamed milk or hot milk. This is generated by injection of water vapor produced by the coffee maker. Water vapor is injected from the bottom of the carafe upwards, such as to reach a mixing chamber contained in the carafe lid. The milk is suctioned from the bottom of the carafe subjected to the effect of the suction generated by the water vapor and leaves the emulsifying device such as to be poured back into the carafe. The milk is therefore heated and / or foamed while remaining in its container.

Document US-B-6711987 discloses a coffee maker with a water vapor outlet that can be introduced into the upper end of a carafe lid into which water vapor is injected to emulsify or heat milk. A similar arrangement is disclosed in US-B-6854381, which refers to a similar system for connecting a dispensing nozzle for dispensing steam or hot water to a carafe, within which milk froth can be produced. Another type of emulsifying device is disclosed in US-A-5738002.

WO-A-2005/102126 discloses a system comprising a coffee maker with a water vapor outlet that can be coupled to a carafe, in whose lid an emulsifying device is contained, by which it is possible to produce milk foam by the suction of the milk contained in the carafe. The foam is supplied through a dispensing nozzle outside the bottle, conceptually with the same solution as disclosed in US-A-6711987.

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These devices have critical aspects related to the hygiene of the machine and any accessories thereof, both in the case in which they are provided to produce suction foam from a milk container housed in the machine or outside the machine to supply the foam to the cup, as in the case in which they are designed to directly emulsify the milk inside a carafe in which the milk is contained.

Actually, the emulsifying device in which the mixture of milk and water vapor or milk, water vapor and air (depending on whether hot milk or foamed milk should be produced) as well as the conduits associated with the emulsifying device come into contact with milk while using the machine and if they have not been washed properly, this can result in the formation of deposits or accumulation of waste in which bacteria or other harmful microorganisms can proliferate.

For this reason, systems and devices have been studied in order to reduce the accumulation of milk residues in the emulsifying device and in the ducts derived therefrom.

However, despite efforts to solve this problem, an efficient solution has not been found, which allows a total cleaning of the emulsifying device and in general of all areas that come into contact with the milk.

In addition, machines and accessories, particularly carafes, intended for use in combination with these machines, often have complex structural features and therefore critical aspects in relation to easy use, cost of production and / or resistance and the reliability of parts and components. Another prior art coffee maker and a method for washing a milk emulsifying device within said coffee maker, is disclosed in EP1785074 A1.

Summary of the invention

A coffee maker according to the invention is defined in claim 1. A method for washing a milk emulsifying device in a coffee maker according to the invention is defined in claim 32. According to one aspect, the present invention provides a coffee maker. in which it is possible to obtain a better cleaning of the emulsifying device and / or other accessories that may have an interface with the machine and designed to come into contact with the milk to be heated or foamed.

A second outlet of hot water and / or water vapor is associated with the first outlet of hot water and / or water vapor towards the emulsifying device, to wash the suction chamber, the mixing nozzle and all other parts of the emulsifying device that come into contact with the milk.

Substantially, the invention allows water vapor generated by the machine to exit two supply points, or along two different paths, towards the emulsifying device such as to be used as an alternative as a fluid for heating and / or emulsifying milk , or as a cleaning fluid. With respect to known machines, such an arrangement has the substantial advantage of rinsing, with water vapor or with hot water from the machine boiler, all circuits and parts of the emulsifying device, which may have interface with the machine, which come into contact with the milk during operation. This guarantees optimum cleaning without the need to use complex scraper members or other similar arrangements provided in some prior art machines. In some embodiments, automatic cleaning cycles can be performed, without the need for particular interventions or maneuvers by the user.

Additional advantageous features and improved embodiments of the machine according to the present invention are presented in the attached dependent claims and will be described in greater detail with reference to a non-limiting example of embodiment of the invention.

The two steam or hot water outlets can be arranged such as to preferably exit both in the connection joint that is connected to the emulsifying device, preferably in two different positions.

In some embodiments, the two hot water or water vapor outlets are arranged so that from the first outlet the water vapor is injected into a mixing nozzle of the emulsifying device and from the second outlet the water vapor is injected into a suction chamber of said emulsifying device. The second steam or hot water steam outlet can preferably be arranged in a subsequent position in relation to the first outlet (with respect to the direction of feeding of the water vapor or of the water) in order to obtain a more efficient cleaning and Complete circuit.

Advantageously, according to some embodiments, the joint comprises a tubular body that ends with the first hot water or steam outlet and the second outlet is disposed in said joint in a position

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posterior in relation to said first exit, for example in an annular projection arranged in a posterior position in relation to one end or appendix of the union.

The machine circuit may comprise a group of valves, preferably a group of solenoid valves, in order to control the supply of steam or hot water selectively to said first outlet and said second outlet, to produce foamed or hot milk and alternatively, carry out a wash cycle to wash said emulsifying device. The valves can be shaped or designed in different ways and a particularly simple and efficient embodiment will be described by way of example below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In order to emulsify the milk, it is necessary to suck air together with the milk and mix air and milk in the emulsifying device, in contact with the steam of hot water injected under pressure in the emulsifying device. In some embodiments, the air suction duct may be disposed in the emulsifying device and may have an inlet end in communication with the environment directly in the emulsifying device. However, according to other preferred embodiments of the invention, the conduit for sucking ambient air into the emulsifying device is arranged in the machine and ends at the connection junction between machine and emulsifying device. The air is then sucked into the emulsifying device through the connection joint to connect the emulsifying device to the machine. The suction hole can be associated with a valve, controlled by the coffee maker control unit, for example an electronically controlled valve. In this way the electronic control unit of the machine can open and close the air suction valve, according to the type of beverage required by the user. This allows to make the operation completely automatic, avoiding the need to act on a manual valve to open or close the suction duct. In addition to this advantage, the arrangement of the suction of air in the machine, upstream of the union towards the emulsifying device, allows to move the air inlet hole away from the area affected by the milk flow, reducing or eliminating the risk of milk accumulations in the air duct. The control of the opening and closing of the air suction valve can be timed, with the possibility of modifying the opening time of the valve in a supply cycle. This allows varying the amount of air sucked to emulsify the milk supplied in a cup and therefore to increase or decrease the amount of foam produced. While in traditional emulsifying devices it is necessary to increase or decrease the cross section of the air passage in order to increase or decrease the amount of milk foam, according to the present invention it is possible to obtain the same amount of foam regulation with a control of the opening time of the valve, which is simpler and does not require the need for an air suction duct with a variable cross section. Some features, indicated above, of the air suction duct can also be used advantageously regardless of the features of the water vapor and / or hot water supply circuit provided with the two supply outlets.

According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the flow of air from the suction hole to the joint occurs within the duct that serves the flow of water and / or water vapor in the washing phase. In this way it is possible to obtain the great advantage of washing not only the milk flow circuit, but also the air inlet circuit.

In some embodiments, the air suction duct to the emulsifying device ends in said joint adjacent to the second outlet of hot water or water vapor. In other embodiments of the present invention, the air suction conduit to the emulsifying device ends in a hot water or water vapor conduit in fluid connection with the second hot water or water vapor outlet. In this case, the union has only two outlets: one outlet for hot water or steam to heat or emulsify the milk, a second outlet to supply hot water or steam for washing water, or alternatively air to emulsify the milk. In this way a more efficient washing of the device is possible, also with the possibility of rinsing the air suction duct, which is usually constituted by a hole calibrated with the smallest diameter, subject to obstruction due to impurities present in the air ambient.

In some advantageous embodiments, the machine comprises a microswitch that allows the supply of hot water or steam through the first outlet. In some advantageous embodiments, the machine comprises an additional microswitch that allows the supply of hot water or water vapor through the second outlet. This allows to enable the production of hot milk or milk foam and the washing cycle, depending on the placement, in two different positions, of the emulsifying device.

The washing can be carried out in an automatic or controlled manner, at the end of each supply cycle or only or also at the request of the user. In both cases, it is possible to allow the washing cycle to be carried out by supplying steam and / or hot water through the second exit or through both the second and the first exit. Preferably, the washing can be carried out by supplying steam and / or hot water through the second outlet during a first time interval and through the first and the second outlet during a subsequent time interval or vice versa. Preferably, the first time interval is longer than the second time interval. When washing in two phases or time intervals, it is possible

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Get a deeper cleaning of the device. It is also possible to obtain overpressure conditions in the Venturi tube and therefore wash, by means of water or water vapor, pushed into the first part of the milk suction duct, which is closed or partially closed during the cycle of washing, if required.

In some embodiments it is possible to allow two washing modes, a deep wash with hot water supply and / or water vapor through one, another or both steam outlets, having previously closed the milk suction duct; a short wash to be carried out at the end of each milk supply cycle, to be carried out without the need to close the milk suction duct, by injecting hot water and / or water vapor from the first, from the second or from both supply outputs. The supply can be carried out in both cases with subsequent operating sequences, for example by first supplying from the misaligned outlet with respect to the Venturi tube and then from both outputs or vice versa. Washing cycles can be programmed at the factory or, as the case may be, set by the user. The short wash cycle at the end of each milk supply cycle keeps the device clean, preventing the accumulation of milk residues also between one supply and the other.

The invention relates to an emulsifying device for heating and / or frothing milk, which comprises: a connector for connection to a coffee maker union, a first hot water or water vapor inlet to a mixing nozzle, a suction chamber connected to a milk suction duct and the mixing nozzle, an air inlet, a duct for supplying hot or frothed milk. The emulsifying device comprises a second inlet of hot water or water vapor, arranged in the connector such that hot water or water vapor coming from the coffee maker through the second inlet can flow into the mixing chamber and the nozzle of the emulsifying device, as well as in other parts, cavities or ducts designed to come into contact with the milk, such as to make it possible to obtain an accurate and deep cleaning of the emulsifying device and all the parts thereof that come into contact with the milk .

Additional features and advantageous embodiments of the emulsifying device will be described hereafter with reference to a non-limiting embodiment and are presented in the dependent claims.

In some embodiments of the invention the emulsifying device comprises: a seat for insertion of the coffee maker union, at the bottom of which said first hot water or water vapor inlet is provided towards the mixing nozzle; and a conduit that extends between said seat and said suction chamber, arranged next to said first hot water or water vapor inlet, for the passage of hot water or water vapor into said suction chamber.

The second hot water or water vapor inlet can also constitute an air inlet to obtain milk foaming, alternatively air and water vapor or hot water is fed through said second inlet to the suction chamber.

The emulsifying device can be formed as a separate accessory, which can be applied to the machine and can be provided with a milk suction conduit that is inserted into any container, for example in a milk package. Preferably, according to some embodiments, the emulsifying device is instead associated with a carafe for containing the milk. For example it may be housed in or associated with the lid of a carafe.

In some embodiments, the emulsifying device comprises a main body in which the joint, the mixing nozzle and the suction chamber are housed. In the main body, a member may be movable, to close and open the milk suction duct, which can assume, with respect to said body, at least a first position to close

the milk suction duct and a second position to open the milk suction duct, for example by means of a rotation movement in relation to said body.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the milk suction conduit comprises a tube made of flexible material and the closing and opening member is arranged and designed such as to at least partially seal the flexible tube, hindering milk suction or water vapor inlet through said conduit when the closing and opening member is in the closed position.

An additional aspect related to the present invention is a carafe for containing milk, which can be used in combination with a coffee maker provided with a hot water and / or steam outlet and which includes an emulsifying device of the type described above.

Actually, the emulsifying device is preferably associated with a carafe for milk, for example it can be incorporated, associated or carried by a carafe lid. However, it is also possible to design the emulsifying device as a separate accessory, which can have an interface with the coffee maker and be provided with

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a milk suction duct that can be inserted into a tank not connected to the emulsifying device, for example in a small canister, in a bottle or in a milk package or other container.

A further aspect related to the present invention is a unit comprising a coffee maker as defined above and an emulsifying device and / or a carafe with an emulsifying device as defined above.

According to a different aspect, the invention relates to a coffee maker of the type comprising: a water tank; at least a first pump to feed a first boiler to heat the water; a beverage brewing unit for preparing coffee; and circuits for feeding hot water and / or steam, with a first outlet of hot water or steam to an emulsifying device that can be connected to a connection union of the coffee maker to produce hot milk or foamed milk; in which it is possible to obtain a better cleaning of the emulsifying device and / or other accessories that may have an interface with the machine and designed to come into contact with the milk to be heated or foamed. Characteristically, the machine can include an air suction duct for foaming milk, which is associated with the outflow of hot water or water vapor. A valve, in particular an electronically controlled valve, preferably controlled by a programmable control unit, can be provided to selectively open or close the air inlet and preferably also to adjust the opening time. An additional valve, in particular an electronically controlled valve, can be provided to open or close the hot water and / or steam supply line. In this way it is possible to carry out heating and / or milk emulsion cycles, or washing cycles. A fluid connection between the hot water or water vapor inlet duct and the air suction duct makes it possible to wash the air suction duct, which is prone to clogging, due to its small cross section. In some embodiments, the hot water and / or water vapor supply duct can be individual, although in the preferred embodiments two water and / or water vapor ducts are provided: one for cleaning and the other for heating and / or emulsion milk. In this second case the air suction duct is preferably connected to the hot water and / or water vapor supply duct provided for washing the emulsifying device. Unlike other known embodiments, in which the air suction duct is associated with an emulsifying device contained in the coffee maker, in the embodiment according to the invention the air suction duct and the corresponding opening and closing valve are arranged in the coffee maker, while the emulsifying device is separated from the machine and can be connected to it by means of the aforementioned union. In this way it is possible to reduce the risk of obstruction of the air suction duct, since it reduces the possibility that milk remnants reach the air duct.

According to a further different aspect, the invention relates to an emulsifying device for heating and / or frothing milk, comprising: a connector for connection to a union of a coffee maker, a first inlet of hot water or water vapor towards a mixing nozzle; a suction chamber in fluid connection with a milk suction duct and with said mixing nozzle; a conduit for supplying hot or frothed milk. Characteristically, the milk supply duct is made of a flexible material and the emulsifying device is provided with a closing and opening member that can seal the milk suction duct by reducing the cross section of the same. In this way the emulsifying device can be particularly suitable for washing by injecting hot water and / or water vapor through the suction chamber, or through the mixing nozzle or through these two components. Actually, for this purpose the milk suction duct can be sealed such as to prevent hot water from entering the milk tank and / or to prevent the milk from being sucked into the emulsifying device. This advantage can also be obtained with a single steam and / or hot water duct, which can be used both for washing and for heating and / or producing foamed milk. However, the emulsifying device preferably has two ducts for inserting hot water and / or steam: one for washing and one for heating and / or emulsifying the milk.

An emulsifying device of this type can also be used advantageously to set the temperature of the milk, as described below.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention will be better understood by means of the following description and the accompanying drawings, which show a non-restrictive embodiment of the invention. More particularly, with reference to the attached drawings:

Figure 1 shows a schematic exterior view of a coffee maker to which the present invention can be applied; Figure 2 shows a diagram of the hydraulic components of the machine;

Figure 3 shows an axonometric schematic view of the group of valves and the connection joint to connect to the emulsifying device, with the emulsifying device in the insertion phase in the connection joint; Figure 4A shows a schematic front view of the group of valves of Figure 3; Figure 4B shows a rear view of the group of valves of Figure 3;

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Figure 5 shows an axonometric section view of the group of valves and of the emulsifying device coupled to the union of the machine;

Figure 6 shows an axonometric view sectioned in a different plane at a lower height in relation to that of the section of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows an enlargement of the emulsifying device inserted in the union of the machine; Figure 8 shows an axonometric view of the emulsifying device; Figure 9 shows an axonometric bottom view of the emulsifying device;

Figures 10A and 10B show exploded axonometric views of a group of valves and a canister in a possible embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 shows an axonometric view of the assembled components of Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows a side view of the group of valves of the bottle of Figure 11 with the bottle connected to the

group of valves;

Figure 13 shows a second view according to a horizontal plane of the bottle connected to the group of

valves in the arrangement for supplying frothed milk;

Figure 14 shows a section according to XIV-XIV of Figure 13;

Figure 15 shows a section similar to the section of Figure 12 with the bottle in the washing position;

Figure 16 shows a section according to XVI-XVI of Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows an exploded view of a carafe in a modified embodiment;

Figure 18 shows a section according to a vertical plane of the bottle of Figure 17 in the armed state and

in the wash position;

Figures 19 and 20 show sections according to IXX-IXX and XX-XX of Figure 18;

Figures 21 and 22 show sections similar to the sections of Figures 19 and 20 in an unarmed state; Figures 23 and 24 show sections similar to the sections of Figures 19 and 20 in the arrangement for supplying foamed milk or hot milk; Y

Figures 25 and 26 show a modified embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention Embodiment of figures 1 to 9

Figure 1 shows in its entirety a coffee maker for domestic use, in which the present invention can be embodied. The machine, indicated as a set with the number 1, has a group of dispensing gray hairs 3, for example two gray hairs, from which the coffee produced by a beverage manufacturing unit is delivered inside the machine. The beverage making unit can in general be a group that uses individual service sachets, such as sachets, capsules or cartridges, or a group that uses coffee powder, for example ground by a coffee grinder incorporated in the machine.

Under the dispensing channels 3 there is a resting plane 5 for a cup of coffee, a cup, a glass or other container, generally indicated with T, to collect the drink. In the resting plane 5 a bottle 7 can also be arranged, in which milk is contained for the production of milk foam, hot milk or the like, in accordance with what the user establishes in an interface indicated schematically with the number 9, with which the machine can be provided in a suitable position (in the example illustrated in the upper front part).

Figure 2 schematically illustrates the hydraulic circuit of the machine in a possible embodiment.

In the diagram of Figure 2, reference number 11 indicates a water tank, from which water is taken to generate hot water and / or water vapor in order to brew coffee, heat or emulsify milk or other things. As will be better described below, the same water can be used to clean the parts of the machine or its accessories that come into contact with the milk contained in the bottle 7.

The number 11A indicates a supply conduit for supplying water from the tank 11, along which a flowmeter (flowmeter 13) is arranged.

According to some embodiments, the conduit 11A is connected to a first pump 17 and a second pump 19. The latter supplies, through the conduit 19A, water to a boiler 21 for the production of hot water for coffee production. The hot water is supplied through a group of valves, known per se and indicated with the number 23, to a beverage manufacturing unit 25 that can be designed in any known manner. The beverage brewing unit generally comprises a beverage brewing chamber into which the individual service bag, cartridge or capsule or the coffee powder is inserted and through which pressurized hot water flows from the boiler 21, for brewing coffee that is supplied through the pipes 3 connected to the beverage brewing unit 25 by means of a duct 27. This part of the coffee maker is of the traditional type and will not be described in greater detail here.

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In some embodiments an additional boiler 31 is provided, fed by the first pump 17 through a conduit 17A. In other embodiments, not shown, a single boiler supplies the beverage processing unit 25 and the other members that will be described hereinafter and which, in the illustrated embodiment, are supplied to the network by the separate boiler 31.

The boiler 31 may be capable of producing steam or hot water in accordance with the requirements and instructions given by the user through the interface 9. In other embodiments, not shown, the boiler 31 may be associated with a superheater, to generate superheated steam. The outlet duct 31A of the boiler 31 is connected to a group of valves schematically represented in Figure 2 and indicated in its entirety with the number 33, whose structure will be better described with reference to the following figures 3 to 6. From the group of valves 33 four ducts come out and with more precision:

- a first conduit 35 through which air or hot water flows to wash an emulsifying device 37 associated with the canister 7 and described better in detail with reference to the following figures 5 to 7;

- a second conduit 39 for feeding hot water or steam to a nozzle 41 of a known type and generally used to heat water or other liquids contained in a cup B or in another container by injecting water vapor from the boiler 31 ;

- a conduit 43 for feeding hot water or steam to the emulsifying device 37; and a discharge conduit 45.

The conduits 35 and 43 end in a joint 49 which, with an appendix or channel 51, can be connected tightly to an inlet of the emulsifying device 37 as described in greater detail with reference to the subsequent figures.

Before describing in detail an embodiment of components 33 to 51, their function will be briefly described. Briefly, the purposes of the circuit described above are:

- discharge the pressure of the circuit through conduit 45 at the end of an operating cycle;

- supplying hot water or water vapor through the duct 39 for the usual operations that are performed with these machines through the water vapor nozzle 41;

- producing hot milk or frothed milk by means of emulsifying device 37;

- wash the latter and the other parts that come in contact with the milk.

Next, a possible embodiment of the group of valves 33 and the corresponding ducts will be described. However, it should be understood that this is only one of the possible embodiments of these machine components and that other embodiments can be used. What is important is that by means of the group of valves 33 or other equivalent members it is possible to control the supply of hot water and / or steam of water or air through the conduits 35, 39, 43 and 45. What characterizes these components it is substantially the fact that the emulsifying device 37, which is connected to the joint 49, 51, can receive hot water or steam and, as may be the case, air to heat or foam the milk and, alternatively, water vapor or hot water to wash. The supply of steam or hot water is carried out through ducts 35, 43, separated but arranged, as will be clear hereinafter, such as to allow the correct operation of the emulsifying device in the heating or frothing stage of milk and a complete washing of the emulsifying device.

In the illustrated embodiment, the group of valves 33 comprises five electronically controlled valves indicated with the numbers 61, 63, 65, 67 and 69. Each electronically controlled valve 61-69 is controlled by a central unit 70 schematically indicated in Figure 2 and connected not only to the group of valves 33 but also to any other member that may have an interface with the control unit or controlled or managed by the unit according to the instructions given by the user, for example the beverage brewing unit 25 with its group of valves 23, flowmeter 13, boilers 21 and 31, pumps 17 and 19, etc.

The electronically controlled valves 61-69 are carried by a body 71 in which the duct 73 is provided, which, by means of a joint 73A, is connected to the outlet of the boiler 31. Substantially, the duct 73 is the embodiment of construction of the outlet duct schematically indicated with 31A in the diagram of figure 2. The duct 73 is connected to the inlet of the electronically controlled valves 61, 63, 67 and 69. The outlet of the electronically controlled valve 69 is formed by a union 69A connected to the discharge conduit 45, so that when opening the valve 69 it is possible to discharge the pressure of the circuit and in particular of the conduit 73-31A. The outlet joint 67A of the electronically controlled valve 67 is connected to the supply line 39 of the nozzle 41, so that by opening the electronically controlled valve 67 it is possible to supply water or water vapor from the boiler to the nozzle 41, by example to heat a cup of water by means of superheated steam, or to fill a kettle with hot water, or also to froth with manual operations the milk in a canister or in a cup in which the nozzle 41 is inserted.

The outputs of the two electronically controlled valves 61 and 63, indicated with 61A and 63A respectively, are connected to a common conduit 81, to which the outlet 65A of the controlled valve is also connected

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electronically 65. The inlet 65B of the electronically controlled valve 65 is in fluid connection with a calibrated orifice 66 provided in the body or block 71, in communication with the surroundings, to suck air to foam the milk, as described below.

As shown in particular in the section of Figure 5, the conduit 81 is in fluid connection with the two outputs of the electronically controlled valves 61, 63, 65 respectively. In this embodiment the connection is obtained by means of junctions 81A, 81B, 81C. The union 81A is in fluid connection with a first supply conduit for supplying hot water or steam, which is indicated with 83 and extends almost coaxially to the union 49 with the appendix 51, which forms the elements with which it has interface the bottle 7 for receiving steam or hot water from the group of valves 33. Therefore, the duct 83 constitutes the construction of the duct schematically indicated with 43 in the circuit diagram of figure 2. The duct 83 ends frontally with a first outlet 49A for hot water or steam towards the emulsifying device 37.

As shown in Figure 7, the joint 49 has a tubular body, at the end of which the outlet 49A is provided and around which joints 91 are arranged. In a rear position, with respect to the first outlet 49A, in the joint 49 a second outlet 49B is provided for hot water or steam or, alternatively, air. The outlet 49B is connected to a conduit 85 which is the construction construction of the conduit indicated with 35 in the circuit diagram of Figure 2 and which is

connected with the union 81B and with the union 81C and therefore with the outlet of the electronically controlled valve 63 and the electronically controlled valve 65. In this way, at the outlet 49B hot water or water vapor can be reached by opening the valve electronically controlled 63, or air opening the electronically controlled valve 65, depending on the function required by the machine and carried out subject to the control of the control unit 70, as will be explained in greater detail hereafter.

In some embodiments, the outlet 49B is formed in an annular projection 93 which is in a posterior position with respect to the end or appendix 51 of the joint 49, in which the outlet 49A is provided. To the annular projection 93 a joint 95 is associated.

As is clear in particular in Figure 7, the emulsifying device 37 can be tightly connected to the joint 49; at this end said emulsifying device has a seat 101 with a hole 103 into which the appendix 51 of the joint 49 is inserted. The joints 91 make a seal between the joint 49 and the inner wall of the hole 103. The hole 103 ends with an opening 105 that ends in front of a mixing nozzle 107, forming a Venturi tube into which the mixture between water vapor and milk or water vapor, milk and air is produced (as described below) and therefore simple milk heating or milk heating and emulsion with the formation of hot milk foam. The opening 105 therefore constitutes a first inlet for hot water or steam to the mixing nozzle 107 of the emulsifying device.

Between the opening 105 and the mixing nozzle 107 there is arranged a suction chamber 109, connected to a suction conduit 111, through which milk is sucked from the carafe 7 with which the emulsifying device 37 is combined.

In this embodiment the mixing chamber 109 is developed around the opening 105 and in front of a facilitated surface of the mixing nozzle 107 and more precisely it is defined between an end wall 113A of a block 113 defining the seat 101 to insert the joint 49 and a block 115 within which the mixing nozzle 107 is disposed. Between the block 115 and the block 113 a gasket 117 is arranged. The configuration is such that the components 113 and 115 of the emulsifying device 37 can be easily moved such as to be washed or in order to replace gaskets or other worn or damaged parts.

A second opening 121 is provided in the block 113. In some embodiments, the opening 121 develops almost parallel to the opening 105 and constitutes a second inlet for hot water or steam or, alternatively, air towards the emulsifying device 37. The opening 121 extends from an inlet placed in the part with the largest diameter of the seat 101 and an outlet placed in the suction chamber 109. In this way the opening 121 constituting the second inlet for hot water or steam or, alternatively, Air in the emulsifying device 37 is brought into fluid communication with the above-mentioned conduit 85 (35) when the emulsifying device 37 is connected to the joint 49.

In addition to blocks 113 and 115, the emulsifying device 37 comprises (see also in particular figures 8 and 9) a body 123 housing blocks 113 and 115 that form respectively the first and second inlets 105, 121 and the nozzle of mixture 107. In the body 123 a chamber 125 is provided, within which the mixing nozzle 107 ends and which is in fluid connection, through a passage 127, with a conduit 129 for supplying foamed or hot milk. The latter is carried by an additional component 131 of the emulsifying device 37, in this embodiment forming a closing and opening member for the milk suction duct 111. The component has an almost cylindrical seat 131, in which an insert is rotated and rotated. bottom, forming

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a rod to couple the main body 123 of the dispenser. Between the two components 131 and 123, a gasket is advantageously provided.

More particularly, as can be seen in detail in Figure 9, the milk suction line 111 is built in the block 113 and is therefore integral with the body 123 of the emulsifying device 37 and extends through a groove arc 131A provided in the closing and opening member 131, in a flanged part of member 131. The body 123 has a groove 123A in which the milk suction duct 111 extends. Everything is designed so that by angularly rotating the closing and opening member 131 about an axis AA relative to the body 123 it is possible to obtain the sealing of the milk suction duct 111 which, for this purpose, is made of a flexible material, for example a silicon rubber. When components 131 and 123 are in the position shown in Figure 8, the milk suction line 111 is in rest conditions, with its cross section completely free and through it the milk can be suctioned. Vice versa, in the almost 100 ° rotated arrangement illustrated in Figure 9, the milk suction line 111 is sealed between the groove 123A of the body 123 and the end of the groove 131A of the closing and opening member 131, so that prevents or at least hinders the suction of milk through the duct 111.

The emulsifying device 37 is carried by the lid 7A of the bottle 7 and is arranged so that the milk suction line 111 develops inside the bottle such as to suck the milk contained therein, while the supply line 129 it extends outside the carafe and can alternatively take two positions corresponding to the positions of figures 8 and 9. In a first position the supply duct 129 exits laterally with respect to the carafe and the milk suction duct 111 is free ( figure 8) and therefore milk can be sucked through it. This position is in which the system is prepared to supply hot milk or frothed milk. Vice versa, in FIG. 9, the supply conduit 129 is in an angular position displaced almost 90 ° and with respect to the body 123 of the emulsifying device 37 adopts a position such that the milk suction conduit 111 is sealed, so that the Water vapor passage cannot cause milk to suck.

The operation of the system described earlier in this document is as follows.

The bottle 7 is arranged in the rest plane 5 of the machine 1 and is arranged such that the union 49 of the machine is inserted in the seat 101 of the emulsifying device 37.

To produce foamed milk, the closing and opening member 131 of the emulsifying device is placed in the position of Figure 8, so that the supply conduit 129 is in an outgoing position with respect to the bottle 7 and below it can be arranged a cup T. In the last one, coffee produced by the beverage processing unit 25 may have already been dispensed through the canos 3. In order to supply foamed milk in the cup, the operator chooses the necessary function through of the interface 9 and the control unit 70 controls the group of valves 33 such as to open the electronically controlled valve 61 and the electronically controlled valve 65, leaving the electronically controlled valves 67, 69 and 63 closed. In this way the steam of Water generated by the boiler 37 flows, through the conduit 73 and the electronically controlled valve 61 open, in the conduit 83 (43) and therefore in the emulsifying device when dispensed through and the outlet 49A in the water vapor opening or inlet 105 of the emulsifying device, such as to flow in this way through the mixing nozzle 107.

In a known manner, the flow of superheated water vapor through the opening 105 and the mixing nozzle 107 generates a suction in the suction chamber 109, so that the milk is suctioned through the milk suction duct 111 that, as indicated above, in this provision is free. Suction in the suction chamber 109 also causes air suction through the calibrated orifice 66 and through the electronically controlled valve 65, which is in the open state. The air flows through the duct 85 (35) to the outlet 49B of the junction 49 and therefore into the opening 121 which constitutes the second inlet of the emulsifying device 37. As it is well known, the suction of air causes the formation of milk foam that is projected by the mixing nozzle 107 to the chamber 125 and therefore, through step 127, to the supply conduit 129 and finally to the T cup.

Vice versa, when the production of unfoamed hot milk is desired, the operator establishes this function through the interface 9 and the central unit 70 switches the group of valves 33 to the following state: the electronically controlled valves 67, 69, 63 and 65 they are closed while only valve 61 is open. Under these conditions, water vapor flows into the inlet formed by the opening 105 of the emulsifying device 37 and therefore sucks milk from the carafe 7 through the milk suction duct 111 and in the mixing nozzle 107, milk is heated without being foamed, by exchanging the heat of vaporization of the water vapor to the milk. Hot milk flows out of the supply line 129.

At any time it is possible to clean the emulsifying device 37 and the ducts that come into contact with the milk, without contaminating the milk contained in the carafe 7 or in another tank or container with which the

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emulsifying device 37. This washing cycle can be carried out, for example, by the user the first time he connects the bottle 7 to the machine 1, or before turning off the machine and removing the bottle to put it, for example, in the refrigerator, or also before and / or after each cycle of hot milk or frothed milk supply. The washing cycle can be controlled manually or set automatically for example before and / or after each milk supply.

In order to perform a wash cycle, it is first necessary to put the closing and opening member 131 in the closing position, that is to say in the position in which the milk suction line 111 is sealed, to avoid both Contamination of carafe milk 7 such as milk suction during the wash cycle. Therefore the emulsifying device 37 must adopt the position of Figure 9.

In this state the milk suction line 111 is pinched. The emulsifying device may be provided with an activation element to activate a second microswitch, which allows the machine to perform the wash cycle once it reaches this position.

At this time the operator can activate the wash cycle via interface 9. In this case, the control unit 70 closes the electronically controlled valves 67, 69, 65 and 61 and opens the electronically controlled valve 63. The water vapor produced through the boiler 31 flows in this way subjected to the thrust of the pump 17 not through the electronically controlled valve 61 and therefore from the duct 83 (43), but through the duct 85 (35). In this way the steam or hot water flows through the opening 121, that is, through the second inlet of the emulsifying device 37, in the suction chamber 109 and since the last in the mixing nozzle 107, in chamber 125, in step 127 and in the delivery duct 129. The sealing of the milk suction duct 111 prevents the steam or hot water from entering the carafe 7, thus preserving the integrity of the cold milk contained in she.

In other embodiments it is possible to provide that the washing phase by supplying steam or hot water through the opening 121 is followed by a second phase, even shorter than the first as may be the case, during which the steam or hot water flow not only through conduit 85 (35) and opening 121 but also through conduit 83 (43) and opening 125 in line with Venturi tube 107. Thus, firstly the suction chamber 109 is washed. Subsequently, the valve 61 is reopened and steam and / or hot water is also supplied axially to the Venturi tube through the opening 105 eliminating any milk backflow into the duct 83 (41 ). The flow of water and / or water vapor may be such as to cause a pressure greater than the ambient pressure, instead of activating the Venturi tube. This allows cleaning of the initial part of the milk suction line 111, thanks to the tendency of hot water and / or water vapor to penetrate inside it.

In some embodiments, in addition to the deep wash cycle, described above, a short wash cycle can be performed, which will be carried out at the end of each milk supply, without the need to close the supply line. In this short wash cycle, steam and / or hot water can be supplied through the opening 121, through the opening 105 or through both, also in sequence as may be the case. For example, a first short phase may be provided with supply only through opening 121, without passing through the Venturi tube and subsequently supply through both openings 121 and 105. In this case, a slight overpressure is generated, which eliminates milk residues of the initial part of the milk suction duct 111 that is not closed. This short wash cycle, as well as the deepest cycle to be carried out when the duct 111 is closed, allows the flow of water vapor and / or hot water to reach all the parts that come into contact with the milk, keeping them clean and avoiding the accumulation of milk residues that can be a means of developing dangerous microorganisms.

In modified embodiments, not shown, the milk suction line 111 may be closed in a different manner, for example by means of a tap, a valve or the like. Preferably, the device for closing the suction line 111, regardless of which device it is, is actuated by a simple movement of the emulsifying device; said movement can also preferably switch to a state of enabling the microswitch that controls the supply of water vapor and / or hot water to clean the emulsifying device. Preferably, as shown in the drawing, the movement that causes the closing of the milk suction duct and allows the operation of the washing function with hot water or steam also brings the supply duct 129 to a position such as discharge the hot water, water vapor and / or condensation water used for the washing cycle to the grid that forms the resting plane 5 for the canister 7 and therefore in the waste water collection tray that It is usually arranged under said grid.

With the described system the flow of steam or hot water generated by the boiler 31 washes and sterilizes or sanitizes in a complete manner all the parts of the system and in particular the emulsifying device 37, which are in contact with the milk, in particular thanks to the fact that hot water or water vapor flows exactly along the same path along which the supplied milk flows.

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In this way, a thorough and thorough washing is obtained, without the need to carry out particular operations in addition to that of operating the washing cycle after having correctly positioned the closing and opening member 131. It is also possible to provide that the cycle of Washing is carried out in a mandatory manner, for example at least before removing the bottle 7 from the machine. For this purpose, p. ex. A blocking member can be provided to lock the carafe when it is arranged in the machine, with the emulsifying device 37 formed in the joint 49 and this blocking member is deactivated only after the closing and opening member 131 has been placed in the closing arrangement for closing the milk suction line 111 and once the machine has performed the washing cycle in an automatic manner, or subject to user control.

In some embodiments it is also possible to provide a washing or cleaning cycle to wash or clean the air suction passage and in particular the calibrated orifice 66. Actually, the latter is subject to obstructions due to impurities present in the atmosphere, due to the Extremely small diameter of this hole. This cleaning can be obtained, for example, with a specific rinsing phase, which is carried out exactly as the wash cycle described above, however keeping the electronically controlled valve 65 open. In this way the water vapor generated by the Boiler 31 flows not only through the emulsifying device 37 for washing, but also moves backwards through the air path to the entrance of the calibrated hole 66.

In some embodiments the device described in particular with reference to Figures 8 and 9 can be designed as a separate component of a carafe and can be used in combination with any milk container, for example a usual package or usual bottle used for packaging and milk sale

Carrying out figures 10 to 16

Figures 10 to 16 show an embodiment of construction of a group of valves and a canister with a machine provided with the group of valves mentioned above. The components and functions are substantially the same as already described with reference to the previous figures, but in figures 10 to 16 mentioned above an embodiment of optimized construction of the cylinder and the valve group is shown. The same numbers indicate the same pieces or pieces equivalent to those described with reference to the previous figures.

In relation to the group of valves 33, the configuration shown in Figures 10 to 16 has a different arrangement of the valves 61 to 69 and a more compact conformation of the body 71 to which the corresponding electronically controlled valves are associated. In addition, a regulating member 68 is provided in the air suction duct 66 for adjusting the flow section of the suction duct, with a known configuration.

Also, since the valve group 33 is preferably housed in a fixed position within the machine, while the joint 49 is preferably arranged in an open hatch that allows inspection of the interior parts, the valve group 33 is connected to the joint 49 through flexible ducts indicated again with 83 and 85, which materialize the ducts 83, 85 which in the previous example of embodiment are formed in a nested member connected in a stable manner to the body 71 of the valves. The union 49 can be mounted by means of supports 49A (see in particular Figure 10) in an open hatch, not shown for the sake of clarity of the drawing.

As is particularly visible in Figures 10 and 11, the body 71 of the valve group 33 has an optimized dimension to also reduce to the maximum the amount of plastic material used. Substantially, the duct 73 is formed in a single block of molded resin for the distribution of the steam and / or the hot water with the joint 73A and the flanges for inserting the electronically controlled valves with the corresponding outlets. In the molded block, supports 71A are also formed for the connection of the group of valves 33 to the machine.

The joint 49 as well as the emulsifying device 37 have substantially the same shape already described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

Figures 10 to 16 show a possible embodiment of the bottle 7, to which the emulsifying device 37 is associated.

More particularly, in the illustrated example, the bottle 7 includes a lower part or body 7A that forms the volume to hold the milk and into which the milk suction duct 111 extends. The lower body 7A has a handle 7B which has a particular form, since it comes out of the carafe with a free upper end for the purpose that will be explained later. Preferably, as shown in particular in the section of Figures 14 and 16, the handle 7B is produced in one piece with a seat 7C to accommodate the body 7A of the carafe. Substantially, the lower part of the carafe is therefore formed by the main body 7A, forming the volume to contain the milk and by a housing 7C where the body 7A is housed. In this way it is possible to disassemble the carafe for a more precise cleaning. The seat 7C has a hole 7D inferiorly in the handle

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7B. In some embodiments, the handle is provided with a hollow cross-section and substantially defines a channel or conduit for discharging the washing water or the condensation water produced by the washing water vapor, towards the opening 7D and therefore towards the plane of rest of the machine in which the carafe rests, such as to discharge the washing water as it is better explained hereafter. A discharge hose can also be housed in the handle, for example made of rubber or elastomer. This can also have the function of thermal insulation to prevent the handle of the bottle from overheating due to the passage of hot water and / or steam of washing water.

The bottle 7 is provided with an upper cover 7E, on which the emulsifying device 37 is mounted. The cover 7E can have grooves 7F for joints between the cover and the body 7A of the bottle. The cover 7E has a housing cavity 7G into which the emulsifying device 37 is mounted and which is closed at the top by a cover 7H. In this way the emulsifying device 37 as well as, as will be apparent from now on, the closing and opening member 131 are housed in the cavity 7G suitably protected by the cover 7H. In the lower part the cavity 7G is closed by a wall 7L in which a hole 7K is provided, crossed by the milk suction duct 111.

The closing and opening member 111 is maintained and guided in its rotational movement around a vertical axis by a 7M collar. In addition, the closing and opening member 131 has an arcuate groove 131A, through which the milk suction duct 111 extends and cooperating with the hole 7K to form a system to seal the milk suction duct 111, in a manner similar to that described with reference to the previous embodiment example in relation to slot 131A (Figure 9).

In this embodiment the closing and opening member 131 is also provided with a pair of cam profiles 131B and 131C. The cams 131B and 131C cooperate with respective rods 161B and 161C to operate the microswitches associated with the machine and shown schematically only in Figure 14 and indicated here with 163. These are substantially two adjacent microswitches that can be actuated respectively by the rod 161B and by the 161C stem. The latter are housed in holes formed in the corresponding wall of the cover 7E, one of which is indicated with 165 in Figure 10. The stems 161B and 161C are coupled to corresponding flat springs 167B and 167C fixed to the cover 7E. The flat springs tension the rods into the cavity 7G against the effect of both cams 131B and 131C. As the latter have a given angular development and a given angular position with respect to the closing and opening member 131, by rotating the latter with respect to the body of the bottle 7 it is now possible to operate one and then the other of the cams 161B and 161C and therefore it is now possible to operate one and then the other of the microswitches 163, depending on the angular position adopted by the closing and opening member 131 with respect to the canister 7 and all this in order to allow the machine to perform a washing cycle or supplying steam or hot water to the carafe in accordance with what the user requires through the machine interface and / or in accordance with the programs stored in the machine.

The operation of the machine and the carafe in this configuration can be easily understood in view of the above description and what is described with reference to the previous embodiment of Figures 1 to 9 and will be briefly discussed hereinafter .

The bottle 7 containing the milk is connected to the coffee maker by inserting the joint 49 into the corresponding seat of the emulsifying device 37 contained in the closing part of the bottle. When the closing and opening member 131 is in the position shown in Figures 11, 12, 15 and 16, the milk duct 129 for supplying hot foamed milk is axially aligned with the emulsifying device 37 and (see in particular Figure 16 ) its outlet is above the handle 7B of the bottle 7. The closing and opening member 131 is in a position such that the groove 131A seals the milk suction duct 111. The cam profile 131C of the closing and opening member 131 pushes the rod 161C such as to operate one of the microswitches 163 and more precisely the microswitch that allows the washing cycle of the emulsifying device 37. In this way, the valve group is switched in an automatic way or subject to user control. 33 so that the wash valve 63 is open while the valves 61, 65, 67 and 69 remain closed. Hot water or water vapor flows through conduit 85 (35), through body 113 of the emulsifying device until it reaches suction chamber 109, mixing nozzle 107, chamber 125 and conduit 129 to supply Hot milk foamed. From the latter, the hot water and / or the condensation water is discharged into the channel formed by the handle 7B and is collected through the hole 7D towards the tray below the plane or the machine's resting grid of the machine.

As described with reference to Figures 1 to 9, also in this case the washing cycle can be completed with a second phase, during which the valve 61 reopens, such as to have a simultaneous flow of hot water or steam of water directly in the suction chamber through the opening 121 and axially in the Venturi tube through the opening 105. The phases mentioned above can also be carried out in the reverse manner. In addition, as mentioned above, a short washing cycle can also be provided in this case, which is carried out without rotating the milk supply conduit and therefore without closing the

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suction line 111. This short wash cycle can be carried out at the end of each milk supply cycle. Preferably, the short wash cycle at the end of the milk supply is carried out automatically, so that the user does not have to remember to operate it every time.

By rotating the closing and opening member 131 almost 90 ° and adopting the position of Figures 13 and 14, the milk supply conduit 129 is in an outgoing arrangement in relation to the body of the bottle 7, on its side where it is possible Place a cup The position is so that also the coffee, supplied by the dispensing nozzle 3 of the machine, can be picked up in the cup (see Figure 1). The 90 ° rotation of the closing and opening member 131 entails a flexing of the foamed milk supply conduit 129, which in this embodiment is made of flexible material, e.g. ex. silicon rubber, to allow this deformation. The milk suction line 111 is made free, that is to say it is no longer blocked. The cam 131B pushes the rod 161B which switches the corresponding microswitch 163 to allow the machine to carry out a cycle of supply of foamed hot milk or of unfoamed hot milk (when the air suction hole is closed) in accordance with required by the user. When the cycle is operated, depending on whether the supply of hot milk or hot foamed milk is required, the valves of group 33 are switched in a corresponding manner and more precisely the valve 63, the valve 67 and the valve 69 remain closed while Only valve 61 is opened if hot milk is required, or valve 61 and valve 65 are opened if foamed hot milk is required.

The system can be used to close the flexible milk suction duct 111, not only to completely close the duct during the suction phase, but also to reduce the cross section of said duct, for example by providing intermediate positions of the closure member and opening 131 between the total opening position and the total sealing position of the duct 111. In this way it is possible to reduce the flow of milk during heating or foaming. With the same flow of water vapor this leads to greater heating of the milk. In this way the user can use the partial sealing system of the milk suction duct 111 to establish the temperature of the beverage obtained. This function can be independent of the other features described above and can be operated, for example, in emulsifying devices that have another system for air inlet and / or for washing and cleaning.

Carrying out figures 17 to 24

Figures 17 to 24 show a modified embodiment of the bottle to which the invention is applied. The same numbers indicate the same pieces or pieces equivalent to those of the previous embodiment.

The bottle 7 has a body 7A and a handle 7B which forms within itself a channel to discharge the hot water or the condensation water of the water vapor used to wash the emulsifying device, indicated as a set with the number 37 and shown in an exploded arrangement in Figure 17. The carafe has a lid formed by two mutually coupled parts 7E and 7H with a shape such as to house the emulsifying device 37. The bottom part 7E of the carafe lid has a gasket 7F in the body 7A of the carafe, from the bottom of the part 7E an almost tubular rod 201 comes out, to which the closing and opening member 131 is coupled, also forming the passage for the milk supply conduit 129.

Also in this embodiment the milk supply conduit 129 is made of flexible material such as to bend when the opening and closing member 131 rotates in the different positions provided for milk supply and for washing of carafe. In this embodiment the closing and opening member 131 is formed by two coupled parts, indicated with 131X and 131Y, the latter forming the housing for the milk supply conduit 129. Parts 131X and 131Y are coupled by means of a coupling of shape that includes projections 13 IS formed in the inner wall of component 131X, which are engaged in groove 131T formed in the outer surface of component 131Y. In this way the components 131X and 131Y are torsionally coupled. The unit formed by the components 131 X and 131 Y fits into the tubular shaft 201 and can rotate around it.

The element 131X of the closing and opening member 131 is axially locked in the lower part of the cover 7E by means of an elastic tooth 203 that engages in a groove with annular partial development formed in the element or component 161X, such as to allow the rotation of the closing and opening member 131 around the axis AA.

On the outer surface of component 131X, cam profiles 131B and 131C are obtained, which have the same function as cam profiles 131B and 131C illustrated in the previous embodiment. These profiles cooperate with stems 161B and 161C that actuate microswitches of the coffee maker to allow the washing cycle, or the supply cycle, as described in greater detail with reference to the previous figures.

In addition, component 131X provides a projection shaped 131Z, which forms the true closure element to close the milk suction line 111, which passes through a hole 7X in the bottom wall of the outer part 7E of the lid of the carafe such as to reach the bottom of the last. 131Z cam profile

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It has a shape such that, by rotating the component 131X of the closing and opening member 131, it is possible to tighten the flexible milk suction line 111.

The operation of the bottle illustrated in Figure 17 and in the following figures is substantially similar to that of the bottle illustrated in the previous embodiment and is clarified by the figures showing in section the different positions taken by the closing member during the phase of washing (figures 19 and 20) and during the milk supply phase (figures 23 and 24). In particular in these figures, the movement of the rods 161B and 161C, which actuate the microswitches that allow one or the other of the cycles mentioned above, is visible. In the embodiment illustrated here an additional position is also provided, shown in particular in the sections of Figures 21 and 22, in which the closing and opening member 131 formed by component 131X and 131Y is made to oscillate around the axis AA at an angle that represents an overcarriage relative to the wash position. In the position shown in figures 21 and 22 the carafe can be disassembled. Also in this embodiment it is possible to partially seal the milk suction line 111 such as to adjust the supply temperature.

Carrying out figures 25 and 26

Figures 25 and 26 show a partial section of a machine according to the present invention, provided with a carafe 7. The coffee maker, indicated as a set with the number 1, comprises a rest plane 5 with a grid on top for rest the cup of coffee or other containers and the bottle 7. When the bottle 7 is not connected to the joint 49, the latter is facing up. The insertion of the carafe therefore occurs by keeping the last inclined and moving it towards the joint 49 in accordance with a downward inclined path, which allows the insertion of the union in a seat that can be similar to the seat 101 already described with reference to the previous embodiment. The insertion of the bottle according to an inclined direction allows its bottom to pass beyond a locking element 5A fixed to the upper surface of the resting plane 5. When the position of mutual coupling between the bottle 7 and the union 49, the carafe can be rotated downwards, causing it to rest on the plane 5, with the base thereof arranged between the front panel of the machine 1 and the locking element. This can be designed as a simple projection, molded into the upper grill of the resting plane 5, or as an inserted element or in any other way.

The union 49 can be designed such as to rotate about an almost horizontal axis, to follow the downward orientation movement of the carafe. As an alternative, the joint 49 can be formed by two pieces, joined together in such a way that the distal piece can rotate slightly, that is to say, oscillate, downwards when it is coupled with the carafe.

Figures 25 and 26 show the initial phase and the final phase of the coupling movement.

The locking element 5A constitutes a block against accidental removal of the carafe during the steam and / or hot water supply cycle and therefore represents greater safety for the user. The bottle lock mechanism is simple to manufacture, efficient and reliable.

The bottle can be disconnected from the machine by means of an inverse movement to that described above.

In addition or as an alternative to the locking element 5A, a coupling can be provided, arranged in the front part of the machine, below the joint 49, which is coupled with a complementary element provided in the upper front part of the carafe.

It is understood that the drawing only shows an example provided by way of a practical embodiment of the present invention, which may vary in forms and arrangements without however departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the claims.

Any reference numbers in the appended claims are provided for the sole purpose of facilitating the reading of the claims in the light of the description and the drawing and in no way limit the scope of protection represented by the claims.

Claims (34)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 1. A coffee maker (1) comprising: - a water tank (11); - at least a first pump (17); - at least one first boiler (31) for heating water of said water tank (11); - a coffee brewing unit (25); - a connection union (49); - circuits to feed hot water and / or water vapor, with a first hot water or steam outlet of water (83) to an emulsifying device (37), which may be connected to said connection joint (49) and a second outlet of hot water and / or steam of washing water (85) associated with said first outlet of hot water or water vapor (83); - an emulsifying device (37) for heating or foaming milk, comprising: a connector (101) for connection to said union (49) of said coffee maker (1); a first inlet of hot water and / or water vapor (105) towards a mixing nozzle (107) of said emulsifying device; a suction chamber (109), in flow connection with a milk suction duct (111) of said emulsifying device and with said mixing nozzle (107); a milk supply conduit (129) for supplying foamed or hot milk in connection with said mixing nozzle (107); characterized in that a second inlet of hot water and / or water vapor (121) is arranged in said connector (101); wherein the two hot water or water vapor outlets are arranged so that from the first hot water or water vapor outlet (83) water vapor is injected into said mixing nozzle (107) and from the second outlet of hot water or steam (85) water vapor or hot water is injected into said suction chamber (109) so that hot water or water vapor from the coffee maker flows through said second inlet (121) in said suction chamber (109) and said mixing nozzle (107). 2. A coffee maker according to claim 1, characterized in that said second hot water or water vapor inlet also forms an air inlet to foam the milk, air and water vapor or hot water that is fed as an alternative in the suction chamber through said second exit. 3. A coffee maker according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first and second outlets of hot water or steam (83, 85) exit into said connection joint (49). 4. A coffee maker according to claim 3, characterized in that said first and second outlets of hot water or steam come out in positions other than said connection joint (49). 5. A coffee maker according to claim 4, characterized in that said first and second hot water or water vapor outlets are arranged such that from the first outlet (83) the water vapor is supplied in said mixing nozzle (107) of the emulsifying device (37) and from the second outlet (85) the water vapor is supplied to said suction chamber (109) of said emulsifying device (37). A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said circuits comprise a group of valves (33) in order to control the supply of water vapor or hot water selectively to said first outlet (83) and to said second outlet (85) to produce hot or frothed milk and alternatively, carry out a wash cycle to wash said emulsifying device. A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an air suction duct (66, 65A, 85) for suction of air towards said emulsifying device (37). A coffee maker according to claim 7, characterized in that said air suction duct is associated with a valve (65), which allows selectively opening or closing said air suction duct. A coffee maker according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said air suction duct (65A, 66) for suction of air towards said emulsifying device (37) is in flow connection with a hot water or water vapor duct in flow connection with said second hot water or steam outlet (85). A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said circuits comprise: a supply line (73) for feeding hot water or steam to a group of valves (33); a first hot water or water vapor supply line (43) for supplying hot water or water vapor from said group of valves (33) to said first hot water or water vapor outlet (83), a first valve ( 61) which controls the selective connection of said feed line (73) to said first hot water or steam supply line (83); a second hot water or water vapor supply conduit (35) for supplying hot water or water vapor from said group of valves (33) to said second hot water or water vapor outlet (85), a second valve ( 63) that controls the selective connection 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 from said feed line (73) to said second hot water or steam supply line (35). A coffee maker according to claim 10, characterized by a third valve (67) that controls the selective connection of said supply line (73) to a third hot water or steam supply line (49), in connection with flow with a nozzle (41) to supply water or water vapor, separated from said first and second outlets (83, 85). A coffee maker according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises a fourth connection valve (65) for the connection between an air suction hole (66) and a duct (65C) for the supply of air to said second outlet (85). 13. A coffee maker according to claim 12, characterized in that said air supply duct exits in a position adjacent to said second outlet (85) and preferably in a duct for transporting water or steam to said second outlet (85). 14. A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising an electronic control unit (70), which controls the supply of hot water or water vapor through one or the other of said first and said second outlet (83, 85). 15. A coffee maker according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a first microswitch and a second microswitch (163), to allow the supply of hot water or steam from the first outlet (83) and / or from the second outlet (85 ) based on the presence and position of said emulsifying device (37) that has an interface with said connection joint (49). 16. A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second pump (19) and a second boiler (21), the first pump (17) feeding said first boiler (31) for the production of hot water or water vapor for said first or said second outlet (83, 85); the second pump (19) feeding said second boiler (21) for the production of hot water or steam for the coffee brewing unit (25). 17. A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a programmable control unit (70) and wherein said control unit controls the performance of washing cycles of the emulsifying device by supplying hot water and / or steam of water through said second outlet (85) and preferably in sequence through said second outlet (85) and subsequently both through said first outlet (83) and said second outlet (85) or vice versa. 18. A coffee maker according to claim 17, characterized in that at least part of the washing cycle said steam or hot wash water is supplied under conditions such as to generate an overpressure in said connected milk suction line (111) to said emulsifying device (37). 19. A coffee maker according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that said programmable control unit (70) is programmed to automatically perform a wash cycle at the end of a milk supply cycle. 20. A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said connector (101) includes: a seat for inserting said connection union (49) of the coffee maker (1), on which bottom said first inlet is arranged hot water or steam (105) towards the mixing nozzle (107); and a conduit (121) extending between said seat and said suction chamber (109), arranged next to said first hot water or water vapor inlet (105), for the passage of hot water or water vapor towards said suction chamber (109). 21. A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said emulsifying device (37) is made of a carafe (7) for containing milk to be heated or foamed. 22. A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said emulsifying device (37) comprises a body on which said connector (101), said mixing nozzle (107) and said suction chamber (109) are arranged. and wherein an opening and closing member (131; 131X, 131Y) for closing and at least partially opening the milk suction duct (111) is movablely formed, said opening and closing member may assume, with respect to said body, at least a first closing position of said milk suction duct and a second position to open the milk suction duct. 23. A coffee maker according to claim 22, characterized in that said opening and closing member (131; 131X, 131Y) is provided with a rotary movement in relation to said body. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 24. A coffee maker according to claim 22 or 23 characterized in that said milk suction duct (111) comprises a tube made of flexible material and that said opening and closing member is arranged and designed such as to at least partially seal said flexible tube thus impeding the flow through said milk suction duct (111) when the opening and closing member (131) is in the closed position. 25. A coffee maker according to one or more of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that said milk supply conduit (129) for supplying hot or foamed milk is carried by said opening and closing member (131) and is in fluid connection with the outlet of the mixing nozzle (107) housed inside the body of the emulsifying device (37). 26. A coffee maker according to one or more of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that said milk supply conduit (129) adopts at least two different positions corresponding to the closing position and the opening position of said opening and closing member (131). 27. A coffee maker according to one or more of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that said opening and closing member (131) is arranged and designed such as to adopt a plurality of intermediate positions between said opening position and said closing position, said milk intermediate duct (111) being partially sealed in said intermediate positions in order to reduce the passage section and the flow of sucked milk. 28. A coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said emulsifying device (37) is associated with a lid (7H) of a carafe (7) for containing the milk, the milk suction duct (111) extending inside the carafe (7) and extending the milk supply duct (129) out of the carafe (7). 29. A coffee maker according to claims 22 and 28, characterized in that when the opening and closing member (131) is in a position to close the milk suction duct (111), the milk supply duct (129) is arranged substantially in correspondence with a handle (7B) of the canister (7), said handle (7B) forming a fluid passage for the discharge of water vapor and / or washing water to wash the emulsifying device (37), being placeable said milk supply conduit (129) of the emulsifying device (37) in flow connection with said fluid passage formed in said handle (7B) of the carafe (7). 30. A coffee maker according to one or more of claims 18 to 29, characterized in that said emulsifying device is provided with: a first element (161B) for operating a microswitch (163) associated with the coffee maker, in order to allow the supply of hot water or steam to foam or heat the milk; and a second element (161C) for operating a microswitch (163) associated with the coffee maker, in order to allow the supply of steam or hot water to wash the emulsifying device (37). 31. A coffee maker according to claim 30, characterized in that the supply of steam or hot water for washing the emulsifying device is allowed when the milk suction line (111) is at least partially closed. 32. A method for washing a milk emulsifying device in a coffee maker according to one or more of the preceding claims, which includes the steps of: a) supplying hot water and / or steam through said second inlet in said suction chamber; b) subsequently supplying hot water and / or water vapor through said first inlet of hot water and / or water vapor; or vice versa. 33. A method according to claim 32, wherein in step (b) water vapor and / or hot water are simultaneously supplied through said first and said second inlet. 34. A method according to claim 32 or 33, wherein in at least one of said stages (a) and (b) the pressure in said suction chamber is equal to or greater than the atmospheric pressure.